Nation eyes closer relations with Egypt, Tunisia

Building on traditional friendship, spearheading the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, boosting cooperation in various fields and expanding cultural exchanges were key points made by Premier Li Qiang in separate meetings on Thursday with the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.

Both foreign leaders, who are making state visits to China, attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday in Beijing.

In his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Beijing, Li said the two countries are good friends and partners of solidarity and mutual assistance, and they work hand in hand for development.

Beijing is willing to work with Cairo to implement the consensus of President Xi Jinping and President El-Sisi and promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

China is also willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Egypt within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, and make unremitting efforts to realize a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, he said.

El-Sisi said Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle, steadfastly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports its efforts to combat terrorism.

Egypt is willing to work with China to further expand cooperation in various fields within the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road to better benefit the people of the two countries, he said.

During his meeting with Tunisian President Kais Saied, Li noted that President Xi will hold talks with Saied to draw up a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.

China firmly opposes interference by external forces in Tunisia's internal affairs, he said.

Furthermore, Beijing is willing to work with Tunisia to implement the consensus of the two heads of state and carry forward the tradition of friendship and mutual trust, he said.

China is also willing to work with Tunisia to build a China-Arab community with a shared future, and to promote the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, he added.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tunisia.

Saied said Tunisia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and firmly opposes interference by external forces in China's internal affairs. Tunisia is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with China in fields such as infrastructure construction, healthcare and tourism, he added.

On Wednesday, Vice-President Han Zheng met with League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Beijing. China has a long history of friendly exchanges with Arab countries, Han noted.